First Call: Ben Roethlisberger has some QB advice for the Steelers; watch Alex Ovechkin score yet again
Wednesday’s “First Call” has advice for the Steelers from former quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. He also questions the franchise’s full faith in Mason Rudolph. DK Metcalf apparently wanted to leave Seattle long before he was traded to Pittsburgh.
And you can watch Alex Ovechkin’s latest step toward breaking Wayne Gretzky’s NHL goal-scoring record.
On the backburner
Former Steeler Ben Roethlisberger has a theory as to why Aaron Rodgers hasn’t signed a deal to come to Pittsburgh yet.
“I think Aaron is secretly still holding out for Minnesota,” Roethlisberger said on his most recent “Footbahlin’” podcast.
Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah recently said that his team is inclined to move forward with last year’s first-round draft choice, J.J. McCarthy, as the successor to Sam Darnold at quarterback. But he refused to shut the door completely on the idea of signing Rodgers just in case McCarthy doesn’t look ready to start the year after missing all of 2024 with a knee injury.
“I just think he thinks that Minnesota is a more complete, closer team to win a Super Bowl, and he might not be wrong,” Roethlisberger said.
If Rodgers does come to Pittsburgh, Roethlisberger is optimistic about what the 41-year-old still has in the tank.
“You get a Hall of Famer in here, it’s (this) much better. The offense all of a sudden becomes a different team,” Roethlisberger said. “That’s Aaron Rodgers. That’s a different animal. He can’t move quite like he used to, this and the other. You know what still works? His arm and his brain.”
Last year, Rodgers threw 28 touchdowns, but his 95.0 passer rating was the lowest for a full season in his career. So was his 6.7 yards per attempt.
Plan B
If the Steelers don’t get Rodgers, Roethlisberger says that Mason Rudolph could be a suitable replacement option.
“If you don’t end up getting him, I think you can stick with Mason and be happy with what you’re going to get,” Roethlisberger added on his podcast. “Mason can throw the ball. That’s never been a question. He can make decisions and get the ball out of his hand. He’s not afraid to take shots down the field, either… He’s not one of these guys that gets nervous and just wants to get the ball out of his hands right away. He’ll sit in there, and he’ll throw it down the field. I think that’s what you’ve got to do when you have George Pickens and DK Metcalf. Those are deep down the field type guys.”
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However, Roethlisberger seemed somewhat dubious of the true level of confidence in Rudolph from the Steelers’ brass.
“I know that Coach Tomlin came out and said — and I’m sure Omar [Khan] said the same thing — that ‘We’re excited with Mason. Mason’s our guy.’ Then why’d you get rid of him in the first place,” Roethlisberger wondered.
Should the opportunity arise, Roethlisberger cautioned against reaching too far to draft a quarterback this year.
“I don’t think they should,” Roethlisberger said. “I would either go O-line or D-line. Maybe D-line. You got rid of (Larry) Ogunjobi. Cam (Heyward) played great last year. But how many more years does he have left?… You’ve got to add depth.”
The Steelers currently have the No. 21 pick in the draft. ESPN currently has quarterbacks Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders as the No. 7 and No. 14 rated prospects overall on the board. The next QB doesn’t roll around until Ole Miss signal-caller Jaxson Dart at No. 28.
Moping Metcalf
DK Metcalf apparently wanted to get out of Seattle long before this offseason.
According to ESPN.com’s Brady Henderson, “The trade request that led the Seahawks to send DK Metcalf to Pittsburgh last month wasn’t the first time he asked out of Seattle. According to team sources, the star receiver had requested trades multiple times in recent offseasons.”
Henderson goes on to report that the Seahawks didn’t have designs on trading the disgruntled wide receiver this offseason. However, Metcalf’s extended discontent and his looming contract situation eventually led them to make such a move and ship him to Pittsburgh for a second-round pick.
“Metcalf’s preferred landing spots, according to multiple sources familiar with the trade talks, were the Texans and Chargers,” Henderson added. “But his contract situation complicated the matter, as it meant the Seahawks had to find a trade partner that would not only give them enough compensation in return but also be willing and able to sign Metcalf to a new deal.”
That’s when the Steelers came into play. New England was also an option for Seattle. But Henderson said Metcalf essentially nixed that option by insisting he wouldn’t sign a contract extension there.
Taking advantage
The Washington Capitals faced a slumping Boston Bruins club Tuesday. Winger Alex Ovechkin took advantage as he was attempting to draw closer to breaking Wayne Gretzky’s all-time NHL goal record of 894.
Ovechkin did so by notching the 891st of his career on a power play.
ALEX OVECHKIN IS NOW ONLY FOUR GOALS AWAY ???? pic.twitter.com/NedEYVAlga
— ESPN (@espn) April 1, 2025
The 39-year-old Russian now has 38 goals this season. Keep in mind he missed 16 games because of a broken left fibula. Washington ended up winning 4-3.
That’s nine straight losses for the Bruins.
Tim Benz is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Tim at tbenz@triblive.com or via X. All tweets could be reposted. All emails are subject to publication unless specified otherwise.
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